Sports equipment with magnets for ball control

ABSTRACT

The Sports equipment with magnets for ball control is the combination of a spherical ball with multiple embedded magnets and a stick that includes a magnet within the head. A player controls movement of the ball using the stick via the interaction of the magnetic fields formed by the magnets in the ball and the magnet in the head. The magnets in the ball are preferably oriented with all matching outward poles. For example, all outward-facing North poles or all outward-facing South poles. Matching the outward facing poles allows the player to be presented with a more consistent magnetic field by the ball as compared to a ball formed from a single magnet, or other lesser number of magnets. The head of the stick has a two-sided magnet, allowing the player to choose between attracting the ball and repulsing the ball with the head of the stick.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of sports equipment and more particularly to sports equipment that uses magnetic fields move a ball using a club.

BACKGROUND

Sports, and associated sports equipment, that require a player to move an object using a stick or club have long existed. Such sports come in many varieties, ranging from hockey to billiards.

The drawback of all existing sports is that they require an impact between a stick or club and a ball or puck. For example, billiards. Or a player may use continuous contact to guide the puck in, for example, hockey.

All known sports equipment lacks the ability to control the ball in the absence of contact.

What is needed is sports equipment that allows a player to control the movement of the ball without requiring contact between the ball and the stick.

SUMMARY

The Sports equipment with magnets for ball control is the combination of a spherical ball with multiple embedded magnets, and a club that includes a magnet within the head.

A player controls movement of the ball using the club via the interaction of the magnetic fields formed by the magnets in the ball and the magnet in the head.

The magnets in the ball are bipolar magnets, each preferably oriented with all matching outward-facing poles. For example, all outward-facing North poles or all outward-facing South poles. By matching the outward-facing poles, the player is presented with a consistent magnetic field by the ball as compared to a ball formed from a single magnet, or other lesser number of magnets.

The head of the club includes a two-sided magnet, allowing the player to choose between attracting the ball and repulsing the ball with the head of the club.

For example, if the ball has all outward-facing North poles, using the North pole of the magnet of the club head will repulse the ball from the stick, and using the South pole will attract the ball to the stick.

The head of the club may be set parallel to the stick. Alternatively, the head of the club is angled with the North pole inclined upward toward the club or the South pole inclined upward toward the club.

In the preferred embodiment the ball includes six magnets, each magnet placed 90 degrees away from its neighbor and directly opposite—across the ball from—its pair. In alternative embodiments additional magnets are included, for example, a total of 12 magnets, each set at 45 degrees away from its neighbor. As clarification, because the ball is three-dimensional, the degree measurements may be taken in any plane. For example, the XY plane, YZ plane, or XZ plane.

The magnets are preferably strong permanent magnets, for example, rare-earth magnets such as neodymium magnets. But other types of magnets are anticipated including ceramic magnets and rubberized magnets.

The interaction of the magnetic fields of the ball with those of the club can be used to transfer the motion of the stick to the ball in multiple ways. If opposed magnetic fields are used, the ball is pushed away from the club. Thus, as the club moves toward the ball, the ball continuously moves away from the club. This action of pushing the ball away from the stick is similar to hitting the ball with the stick in more conventional sports.

Alternatively, when attracting magnetic fields are used, the ball may be guided by the stick with the ball rotating beneath the surface of the club. This rotation is caused by the friction of the ball with the surface beneath in combination with the simultaneous attraction of the ball magnets to the club head magnet. This action of guiding the ball with the stick is similar to dribbling in more conventional ball sports.

The games that can be created using the combination of the magnetic ball and club are limitless. Variations on games such as croquet are anticipated, as well as games that involve navigating a ball through a course, around obstacles, or up and down across ramps and tracks.

When the games played are multiplayer, the balls may also interact with each other. Such interactions can lead to more sophisticated gameplay, with one player's ball able to influence another player's ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the ball of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ball of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ball showing magnetic field lines of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the club of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the head of the club of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the club head and ball of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first cross-sectional view of the head of the club, showing the head at an angle with respect to the shaft of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first cross-sectional view of the head of the club, showing the head at an angle with respect to the shaft of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of use of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an isometric view of the ball of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control is shown.

A primary component of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control 100 is the ball 110. Ball no includes a surface 112 with multiple recesses 114, each recess including a ball magnet 116.

The ball magnets 116 are preferably recessed into the ball 110 such that the outer surfaces of the ball magnets 116 are aligned with, or even with, the surface 112 of the ball no. By recessing the ball magnets 116, the ball 110 can roll freely across a surface without the magnets causing mechanical interference.

In an alternative embodiment, the ball magnets 116 are placed beneath the surface 112 of the ball 110. By constructing the ball 110 of a material that does not interact with the magnetic fields of the ball magnets 116, the placement of the ball magnets 116 below the surface 112 of the ball 110 does not affect operation.

The ball magnets 116 are shown oriented along the X, Y, and Z axes. Each axis includes two magnets, located on opposite sides of the ball 110. For example, two magnets 116 on the X axis, located on opposing sides of the ball no.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the ball 110 includes six magnets 116.

In alternative embodiments, the ball 110 includes additional ball magnets 117, again located in opposing pairs. For example, an additional six magnets could be located as shown by additional magnets 117.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of the ball of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control is shown.

Ball magnets 116 are located along X-axis 180 and Y-axis 182.

In the preferred embodiment, each ball magnet 116 is oriented such that the outward-facing poles match across the surface 112 of the ball 110. For example, all North poles 140 face outward, and all South poles 142 face inward. The result is a consistent magnetic field, making the ball 110 easier to manipulate using club 120 (see FIG. 4 ).

The magnets 116 are shown spaced apart from each other, with material forming the ball 110 sitting between the magnets. This construction allows for the use of readily-available flat, disc-shaped magnets.

The ball 110 can be made of various materials that do not interact with the magnetic field generated by the ball magnets 116. For example, plastic, wood, and non-ferrous metals—metals that do not contain iron—such as aluminum.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of the ball showing magnetic field lines of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control is shown.

The magnets 116 generate magnetic field lines 144 from North poles 140 to South poles 142.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an isometric view of the club of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control is shown.

The club 120 includes shaft 122 with grip 124. The shaft 122 ends in the head 126, the head including head magnet 128.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a cross-sectional view of the head of the club of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control is shown.

The head 126 includes the head magnet 128, which is optionally surrounded by the head outer layer 130 to protect the head magnet 128.

The head 126 is shown in alignment, or parallel to, the shaft 122. Other arrangements of the head 126 with respect to the shaft 122 are known, see FIGS. 7 and 8 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of the club head and ball of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control is shown.

During play, the magnetic fields generated by the ball magnets 116 interact with the magnetic fields generated by the head magnet 128. The result is repulsion or attraction of the head 126 to the ball 110.

Specifically, the interaction of the ball magnetic field 119 and the head magnetic field 129.

By controlling the speed and distance of the head 126 with respect of the ball 110, as well as orientation of the head 26 with respect to the ball 110, a player can control the speed and direction of the ball.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , a first cross-sectional view and a second cross-sectional view of the head of the club, showing the head at an angle with respect to the shaft of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control, are shown.

The shaft centerline 150 and head centerline 152 form head angle 154 with respect to each other.

The head magnet 128 includes a North pole 140 and a South pole 142.

The head 126 can be angled such that the North pole 140 faces upward and is closer to the shaft 122, as shown in FIG. 7 , or that the South pole 142 faces upward and is closer to the shaft 122, as shown in FIG. 8 .

Players may choose clubs 120 that include heads 126 at differing angles to adjust their style of play.

Referring to FIG. 9 , an example of use of the sports equipment with magnets for ball control is shown.

The player 200 is using the club 120, specifically head magnet 128 within head 126, to move ball no along track 170.

If the player 200 matches the polarity of the exposed side of head magnet 128 to the outward facing polarity of the ball 110, the ball no will be repelled by the head magnet 128. This allows the player 200 to push the ball no along the track 170.

Alternatively, the player 200 can match the polarity of the exposed side of the head magnet 128 to the outward facing polarity of the ball 110, attracting the head magnet 128 to the ball 110. This allows the player 200 to pull, or dribble, the ball no along the track 170 using the head magnet 128.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports equipment system comprising: a spherical ball; the spherical ball having an outer surface; six magnets; each magnet of the six magnets being bipolar, therefore formed from a North pole and a South pole; the six magnets embedded in the spherical ball; the six magnets all oriented to have either all North poles facing outward or all South poles facing outward; a club; the club formed from a shaft and a head; the head including a head magnet; the head magnet being bipolar, therefore formed from a North pole and a South pole; whereby motion of the spherical ball is controlled by changes to orientation and distance between the head magnet of the club and the six magnets of the spherical ball.
 2. The sports equipment system of claim 1, wherein: the six magnets are all spaced apart, and thus no magnet is in contact with another magnet.
 3. The sports equipment system of claim 1, wherein: each magnet of the six magnets has a first surface and a second surface; the first surface is aligned with the outer surface of the spherical ball; the second surface is beneath the outer surface of the spherical ball; whereby the spherical ball can roll freely along a surface without being impeded by mechanical interaction between the surface and the six magnets.
 4. The sports equipment system of claim 1, wherein: the head magnet is not parallel to the shaft, the head magnet instead set at an angle with respect to the shaft.
 5. The sports equipment system of claim 4, wherein the North pole of the head magnet is closer to the shaft then the South pole of the head magnet.
 6. The sports equipment system of claim 4, wherein the South pole of the head magnet is closer to the shaft then the North pole of the head magnet.
 7. A game for manual gameplay by at least one player, the game comprising: a spherical ball with embedded magnets; the embedded magnets including three sets of paired magnets, for a total of six magnets; each two magnets of each set of paired magnets is installed such that the paired magnets are 180 degrees apart, therefore directly opposite each other; each embedded magnet placed 90 degrees away from its closest adjacent embedded magnet; all embedded magnets placed such that no magnet is closer than 90 degrees to any other magnet; a club; the club including a shaft and a head; the head including a head magnet; whereby speed and direction of the spherical ball is controlled by interaction of a club magnetic field generated by the head magnet and a ball magnetic field generated by the embedded magnets.
 8. The game for manual gameplay by at least one player of claim 7, wherein: the six magnets are all spaced apart, and thus no magnet is in contact with another magnet.
 9. The game for manual gameplay by at least one player of claim 7, wherein: each magnet of the six magnets has a first surface and a second surface; the first surface is aligned with an outer surface of the spherical ball; the second surface is beneath the outer surface of the spherical ball; whereby the spherical ball can roll freely along a surface without being impeded by mechanical interaction between the surface and the six magnets.
 10. The game for manual gameplay by at least one player of claim 7, wherein: the head magnet is not parallel to the shaft, the head magnet instead set at an angle with respect to the shaft.
 11. The game for manual gameplay by at least one player of claim 10, wherein a North pole of the head magnet is closer to the shaft then a South pole of the head magnet.
 12. The game for manual gameplay by at least one player of claim 10, wherein a South pole of the head magnet is closer to the shaft then a North pole of the head magnet.
 13. Sports equipment comprising: a ball with an outer surface; multiple ball magnets embedded into the outer surface of the ball; the multiple ball magnets all having matching outward facing poles, the outward facing poles being either a North pole and a South pole; a club; the club including a shaft; a club magnet placed at an end of the shaft; wherein the club magnet interacts with the multiple ball magnets to cause motion of the ball with respect to the club.
 14. The sports equipment of claim 13, wherein: the multiple ball magnets are all spaced apart, and thus no magnet is in contact with another magnet.
 15. The sports equipment of claim 13, wherein: each magnet of the multiple ball magnets has a first surface and a second surface; the first surface is aligned with the outer surface of the ball; the second surface is beneath the outer surface of the ball; whereby the ball can roll freely along a surface without being impeded by mechanical interaction between the surface and the multiple ball magnets.
 16. The sports equipment of claim 13, wherein: the club magnet is not parallel to the shaft, the club magnet instead set at an angle with respect to the shaft.
 17. The sports equipment of claim 16, wherein the North pole of the club magnet is closer to the shaft then the South pole of the club magnet.
 18. The sports equipment of claim 16, wherein the South pole of the club magnet is closer to the shaft then the North pole of the club magnet. 